During the meeting, a potential project at Dighton Elementary School was thoroughly discussed. A request was made to approve a contract with Aerost Street Incorporated, involving a pre-approved fee that eliminated the need for negotiations. The selection process for Aerost Street was stringent, involving a panel largely constituted by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The firm’s reputable history with MSBA projects and their commitment to sustainability aligned well with the district’s strategic goals towards 2030. The board members showed support for Aerost Street’s engagement with the community, and a motion to approve the contract and grant the town administrator authority to execute it was unanimously passed.

The board also addressed challenges with the town’s transition to a pay-upon-receipt system for trash bag vendors. Elizabeth brought attention to hesitation from Hannaford due to corporate policies, despite general vendor compliance. Historical issues with Hannaford regarding delayed payments led to discussions about including contract stipulations preventing further supply until outstanding payments are settled. Additionally, Johnny’s Market will be addressing past violations related to upselling trash bags at the next meeting, prompting the board to consider establishing a policy for vendor violations to ensure accountability.

The police department’s hiring process for a new patrolman was another topic of interest. The police chief detailed a thorough vetting process and recommended extending a conditional job offer to Mr. Handle, a Dighton resident and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. The board supported the candidate, acknowledging his local connections and military service, and unanimously approved his appointment pending fulfillment of necessary conditions.

Financial matters were also on the docket. The town administrator updated the board on the debt exclusion ballot language, identifying individuals to represent both pro and con positions for the upcoming ballot question. A presentation is anticipated in January to clarify the implications of a debt exclusion and its relation to Proposition 2½. The town’s ongoing financial needs were further highlighted by a letter from Fair Haven selectmen, advocating for increased unrestricted state funds derived from online gambling proceeds. The board agreed to draft a response to the letter.

Updates from the fire department building committee included a forthcoming draft final report with site recommendations and cost estimates for new facilities, expected to be presented in early 2024. Concerns were raised over damage to a parking lot used as a staging area during construction, but assurances were given that repairs had been completed, and the Main Street project concluded.

In new business, the board granted a fee waiver request from Cooperative Production Incorporated for using the old town hall, and discussed the appointment of Ashley Dalt as the temporary board of health office manager. Concerns were raised about formalizing appointments, emphasizing that employees should not begin new roles without official approval to prevent potential complications.

The appointment of William McGrady Jr. to multiple roles, including agent of the board of selectmen for the fire station building committee, was approved without opposition. The discussion touched on the infrequent activity of the soil conservation commission but concluded with a preference to have the position filled.